Research Article
Ali Hajimohammadi, Hameed R
Abstract
Salinomycin is a substance which is able to transport particular substance with antimicrobial properties. It is a dietary additive used as a growth promoter for ruminants and as a Veterinary Medicine in chickens. However, over dosage or misuse situations can lead to a series of toxic syndromes. The purpose of this study is to propose the alteration of oxidative stress markers during experimental toxicosis with salinomycin in sheep. Twenty Iranian mixed breed adult female fat-tailed sheep (BW: 36 ± 3.5 kg) were used in this study. Sheep were randomly divided into five equal groups. Group I (control) received 20 ml normal saline. Groups II, III, IV and V were orally administered 1 mg/kg (twice a day for two days), 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg (once a day for two days) salinomycin, respectively. Following drug administration, blood samples were collected at different time intervals (2, 5, 8, 14 and 21 days) in order to determine oxidative stress markers, SOD, GPX, Catalase, and MDA were measured using validated standard methods. The results indicated a significant decrease in SOD, GPX and Catalase, and an increase in MDA in salinomycin treated groups compared to control group (P<0.05). In addition, salinomycin induced significant decrease in the concentration of vitamin C. Concentrations of vitamin A and vitamin E were also increased, but the increase was not significant. The interaction between times and groups was significant with respect to all vitamins. In conclusion salinomycin intoxication in sheep can cause oxidative stress.